According to a Canadian Health Measures survey, 65.5% of adults aged 40-79 used at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days. As our bodies change when we get older, so does our personal health routine. Taking medication has now become part of our daily routine.
According to a 2019 Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), up to 28,000 deaths are caused by medical errors each year and the most common type of errors are those involving medications. This is why managing an older adult’s medication is crucial. Thankfully, Livita Queens Avenue’s senior homes have retirement services and systems in place to help take care of this.
Medication Management in Oakville Retirement Homes
Whether you need at-home medication or medication in a retirement residence, proper management is key. It is the process of organizing and keeping track of your medication. This includes knowing the:
- Correct dose
- Time of day to take the medicine
- Monitoring side effects or interactions with other medicines
Here are 7 tips for medication management for seniors. Keep an Updated List of All Your Medications. This helps healthcare providers avoid any risks. The list should include:
- Medicine name
- Dosage
- Directions
Always Ask Questions
It is important to take an active role in understanding what your medication is for and how it helps you. Do not hesitate to ask questions, especially regarding instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.
Make Sure to Take Medications as Prescribed
Part of understanding your medication is knowing that it should be taken as prescribed. It is crucial not to skip doses or take extra doses without clearance from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, make sure to tell your doctor right away.
Use One Pharmacy
Try to get all your home medication from one pharmacy. This helps avoid confusion and gets multiple prescriptions filled at once. It is also more convenient and safer since the pharmacy has the information needed to give you the right medications.
Always Double-Check Labels Before Taking Medications
This is important not just right before taking it, but also when picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy. This ensures the medication you are taking is always accurate.
Properly Store Medications
Proper storage is necessary not just for maintaining their efficacy. It also avoids any accidental consumption by children or pets. Additionally, always keep your medicines out of the reach of children and pets. Store them away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Safely Dispose of Unused Medicines
Part of medication management for seniors is making sure unused medicines are handled correctly. This means not throwing them along with regular trash. Use your local pharmacy drop-off when disposing of them. You can also check with your local health department on how to safely dispose of unused medicines.
Medication Management in Living Communities for Seniors
Keep you or your loved one safe from medication errors with medication management. This is a service offered by most, if not all Oakville retirement homes.
Part of Livita Queens Avenue’s enhanced living program is making sure our residents’ medication requirements are fulfilled. Medication management also includes regular reviews by healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and safety in taking medication.
Learn more about our medication management services and more today. Contact us or book a tour of our retirement homes in Oakville!
